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| Open Access |
https://doi.org/10.55640/eijps-05-06-10
Media’s Role in Shaping Public Mental Health Narratives: Revisiting the Werther And Papageno Effects in The Digital Era
Abstract
This article investigates the complex relationship between media coverage of suicide and its impact on societal mental health, particularly through the lens of the Werther and Papageno effects. Drawing on recent empirical studies and global health guidelines, we argue that media has the potential not only to exacerbate suicide risk but also to play a pivotal role in suicide prevention. As digital platforms become the primary information channels, understanding and applying responsible reporting practices is essential. The article advocates for journalist training, the adoption of evidence-based media frameworks, and the creation of hope-inspiring narratives that emphasize resilience and mental health resources.
Keywords
Werther effect, Papageno effect, suicide prevention
References
World Health Organization. (2014). Preventing suicide: A global imperative. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/131056/9789241564779_eng.pdf?sequence=1
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Niederkrotenthaler, T., Voracek, M., Herberth, A., Till, B., Strauss, M. (2010). Role of media reports in completed and prevented suicide: Werther vs. Papageno effects. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(3). https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.109.074633
Pirkis, J., Blood, R. W. (2001). Suicide and the media. Part I: Reportage in nonfictional media. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 22(4). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11848658/
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Niederkrotenthaler, T., Till, B. (2019). Suicide and the Media: From Werther to Papageno Effects – A Selective Literature Review. Suicidologi, 24(2).
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